I Need to Get This Done Before Something Goes Awry!

‪@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage‬ ‪@FabRats‬ ‪@CumminsEngines‬
Merlin needs to get all this maintenance and these modifications done before something goes very wrong! This truck is on the fritz but Mater will be fixed up in no time and ready for more work!

[@beastmaster9433]

Most underrated and under viewed content on YT, period. Thanks, Merlin.

[@AnsleyBuilt]

I think he will gain a bunch here soon, we’ll deserved

[@remraf72]

@Beastmaster I agree wholeheartedly! Merlon has the applied knowledge and so much experience in so many varied topics, its truly mind-blowing. He a fantastic craftsman with all things mechanical !

[@darinhassett4708]

Found your channel today love it and how you explain everything!!!! Seeing that old truck reminds me of my grandpa and his brother they had four or five gmc cckw’s for logging in the fifties he even made a bunch of 8mm movies of one or two

[@rogerfitchpatrick1133]

I will put it out there, where in the Hell did you get your knowledge. Old School and just experience I would say. Great presentation.

[@jackrockholt2823]

Watching everyone build their tow truck the same way is a good sign that someone is doing something right

[@bvr1962]

I was a captain on a big research ship for almost 30 years in the Caribbean, for nylon straps, hydraulic hoses or anything that is exposed to direct sunlight we used 303 aro space protectant and i have to tell you we had straps that we used daily that after 5 years of use they still looked as good as the new ones this stuff is unreal in 2008 we put a crane on the ship and coated all the hoses with it and still today they look new just an FYI 303 aro space protectant is great stuff, they used it on the the space shuttle and space station

[@markromano6417]

Good suggestion don’t know why I’d didn’t get more likes. I have an engineering background

[@markellyfarm]

Where is this stuff sold?

[@richardogden4800]

@@markellyfarm I get mine at the local RV supply. Also available on Amazon.

[@1WZRD]

303 for the win, I've used it for years. On rigging and tie down straps as well as tow straps.

[@alext9540]

Aerospace companies, like Boeing, helped to develop this product. I have also used it to keep decal on the sides of RV’s and vehicles from UV damage and shrinking. They make an entire line of specialty products, and their customer service is excellent!

[@decentgarage]

Love seeing some Cummins love when Matt and Paul smack talk them all the time 😂

[@aaronmcconnell7358]

I love that truck ,it looks like what you'd expect to pull up when mad Max's intercepter breaks down and needs a tow.

[@donabresch8719]

Love the precise escalation process of broken bolt removal !

[@michaelbidlack5739]

I wish I was 1/1000th as talented as you, Merlon. Love your channel. There's something educational, yet calming about the way you explain things.

[@norcalray7182]

Your videos are some of the best on KZbin. Thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@timsgaf]

i agree, this and misfit toys. practical people.

[@xxBlazinBobxx]

That tow truck has character in spades! I liked watching the problem solving and fabrication done in this episode.

[@rickhay9782]

Merlin, man I'd love to be your neighbor...the knowledge and stories you could share !

[@campy9712]

Brazing is 90K psi, the highest welding with rods are extremely expensive can go to 70K. Brazing is the best way to join those fittings. You rock, great content!!!

[@Aphthous]

Wow! Almost as many views as subscribers. You’ve got some dedicated fans Merlin!

[@craigbowley6783]

A good way of extracting broken bolts is to drill a hole into the middle then pound a torx bit One size bigger than the hole you drilled into said hole then turn torx bit as if to unscrew it and the bolt will come along with it. No heat no welding an minimal cussing required and hasn't failed me yet! Also saved me alot of time and heartache👍

[@jasonkeith674]

Oh to be a fly on the wall in your shop, just soaking in the knowledge and lessons. Thank again for sharing sir. 🙏🙏

[@greasyhandsauto-shaunbutte9726]

You’re an excellent fabricator. Fun to watch.

[@kalaehina814]

Love seeing all these behind the scenes maintenance/repairs and mods on your insta-famous rigs!

[@montegtaylor]

Nice to see the old truck still working hard.

[@ponypwr]

Every young man needs a Merlin!

[@peterselten500]

thanks for showing the work you do on the trucks i love your fleet an knowing what you've done to them makes the channel great to watch . cheers from oz .🇦🇺

[@79tazman]

That Truck is bad ass when you took the Jet Ski down to the Lake with it I thought damn that thing is a beast

[@petermccuskey1832]

Am really enjoying your presentation. Amazing workmanship.

[@michaelshansen7070]

Love the fast forward while work is being done. Its great because we can see a lot of progress and watch as things get done. We can review if necessary. Thanks a lot

[@flyingmachinecustomparts8227]

Im Really enjoying your channel glad I found u through fab rats 🐀 channel. I'm fabricator so I can really appreciate the quality in your work and attention to details.

[@staglione79]

Good stuff Merlin 👍🏻 Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience with us. I always come away with something new..... 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnhart125]

You teach me something new in every video, been a mechanic for 50+yrs and still learning new tricks to old junk. Doing road trip this summer, hope to meet you

[@golfmike304]

I am truly amazed at your knowledge of all things mechanical. I love this Channel. I found you through fab rats and so glad I’ve found you both.

[@johnme7049]

That old rig is Fan-Flippin-Tastic! I love that you have made this old girl a useful workhorse! And she just gets better with age. Thank you for sharing your skill, your knowledge, and your love for what you do. God Bless.

[@markw.2106]

Merlin, watching you on that video I realized why I don't get as much done as I'd like, too much time up getting parts or finding tools, not enough time on my butt :) Great content!

[@1944chevytruck]

make a jockey box in back?... good job lookin good!.... thanks for explaining as you work along on stuff helps to understand why and benefits of changing things.

[@craigbowley6783]

Those old model A tractors guys used to build were so awesome I've seen quite a few and each one is more fascinating than the last.

[@clintonsmith9931]

Had uncle that lived in your town. His name was Doyle Smith.my first idol of hot rodding. When I was very young he had a 50 Ford that would drive holes in the wind.Lived in Redlands , California at the time. He worked out at Skunkworks for years. Would travel all over to start up the Blackbird when it needed starting. Lost him a year or so ago at age 84.

[@lonhoschar1943]

Great job on the fabricating Merlin. I love to watch you work on the old stuff and making it work again. As one old guy to another not as old.. Please use shaded goggles when brazing and cutting with an oxygen/acetylene outfit ... like # 5... Trust me when I say it's a pain in the butt when you can't see in the dim light or have to use a flashlight to read a menu in a restaurant 😁 Just say'n...

[@chadepperson5609]

LMAO, "its only dangerous if you're not a good welder" nice work Merlin!

[@Derf1313]

Nice tour , as usual, lol. Learned about gas welding long before ANY wire feeds were thought of... Great tips & tricks, Thanx !

[@davidsnow1481]

I learn so much just watching this channel. Keep up the good work and stay safe out there.

[@mrmongo6722]

The old tow rig definitely needed a little love well maybe a lot of love but it’s good to go now. Thanks for sharing the video and looking forward to seeing you on the next one. 🍻

[@markellyfarm]

Just an idea. Maybe make a bracket under the boom to hold your sling support. Holds it out of the way and also provides extra support for the boom if ever needed. Love your creativity and knowledge to get anything done. Im a welder but never had the patience to be a mechanic. I love watching you fabricate anything you need! I would love to someday build a rat rod something or other using modern suspension and power train. Didnt know you could strip down newer motors to work without all the computer stuff! Love your videos!

[@flyingmachinecustomparts8227]

Love your content !! Everything u have runs great starts right up !! And love the fab work and that wrecker is awesome 👌

[@peterhatch1583]

Thank you for sharing your trade and talents it is a credit to "you" !!

[@davidjotblad6244]

Another great show I look forward to Sunday mornings I feel back home even if it’s just for a short time

[@Bigdaddyslasher]

Old tow truck will drive like a dream from your steering upgrades and you don't have to worry about the frame cracking from the steering box. Chevy still mounts their boxes like that on their heavy duty 4x4 trucks after all these decades.

[@kenmurray4232]

Always like hearing about our old fashioned ways of doing things from young people. Call me a dinosaur, but it still works today, but brazing is becoming a dying art. Gotta be TIGed, nope. We can weld shit to a 2x4 if we can find the right rod somewhere in the back of the shop. Great explanation on the front end updates. Thanks for sharing.

[@davidfarmer1666]

Merlin you are great. You say you are going to do something and it is done like clock work. Sorry to say your cousin says he is going to do this or that and he doesn't always seem to get it done. That's what is so good to watch you, you say it and you do it. Feeling a little sorry for Paul right now.

[@TheOldaz1]

Nice to see the old truck getting some love for a change, love it. Thanks Merlin.

[@shaneharrison4775]

Love that old wrecker and all the cool thing round about there

[@russellamos5720]

Lookin' good! Almost ready for the Olympics.

[@peterdiebel7372]

You re an artist. Beautiful upgrade on the old yeller canvas.Cheers from B.C. Canada.

[@edchenal821]

I like videos that are honest and not scripted like some. Keep up the good work.

[@MrBillsfishin]

Beautiful old reliable truck. Nice upgrades.

[@chrisslky7018]

Looking great! Eric from BSF had a good idea for the spring mount. He drilled and tapped a middle hole for an extra bolt.

[@OjaiBonsai]

100 in a boat that’s crazy talk. I’ve done 70 and that feels like 100. Great stuff brother Thanks

[@tomcompoli]

Highly suggest drilling that casting for a 3rd stud in the center. And if it's a Dodge front drill em and tap em for the bigger studs that GM used. Will hold up far better. However I see you mounted the panhard on top where you'd need to drill the 3rd hole. It's interesting you went with a panhard to counteract the loss of positive caster when you removed the wedges. The ram assist should help considerably with the bump steer due to crap caster angle so you might not even need the panhard. I cut and turned my Dana 60, needed a 50ton press to push the C's off.

[@bigds6692]

I love this old truck! It looks so awesome! You have a good style to all your rigs, it's an art!

[@minidigger1000]

You never sice to amaze merlin your knowledge is unbelievable you make it look almost easy

[@veetwin75]

CEASE

[@minidigger1000]

@@veetwin75 spelling isn't one of my special qualities afraid lol

[@lchebuhar9212]

Very cool. Thanks for taking us along for the ride. 💪👍🏼

[@jeromes58]

The term I learned years ago to quantify the skill of a welder. “He can weld two dog turds together”. I believe you meet that criteria. 😆

[@johnperun232]

Some Great 👍 Fabrication skills, Thanx for Sharing your experience and knowledge with us Have a Great Day 👍

[@petehans8087]

So glad Fab Rats pointed you out. You remind me of an old lost friend of the old ways.

[@ProjectsWithPaul]

Nice Work. Looks like you're getting ready for the tow truck olympics!

[@ernestpaul2484]

Excellent fab work. Watching all of you guys, you, Paul, Matt and the others, I kick myself in the ass for not learning how to weld while I was in the Army many years ago. Now I have a pacer/defibrillator in my left chest and the docs say not to use any type of welding equipment. I can still draw up ideas that pop up in my head, I carry a pen and a small notepad just for that purpose. I love the look of this wrecker as I am partial to that era body style.

[@scottdyersr2151]

New welders would have just tig it .old school welding is the best .keep showing us out in youtube land the hard working ways. So new guys can learn. Like from California. Thanks.

[@kenm6948]

I really appreciate your detailed explanations as you fabricate and install the various parts.

[@rockercover]

Have not seen nylon or bronze bushings for a 4X4 king pinned front end housing wheel steering before. My 1965 F-250 had bearings top and bottom, if I am recalling correctly… If there were bushings also, don’t remember dealing with those. (Should go find an old parts assembly picture, 😆) (Has been a bunch of years). Thanks for the detailed video. Much appreciated.

[@oneshotpete6.591]

As always , good stuff Merlin … 👍🏼👍🏼

[@marygrace5231]

I love how you explain why you do the things you do. And the purpose for the changes

[@lawrenceengel3330]

That old thing looks like a truly functional one of a kind beast 👌

[@desertd2609]

Always slinging knowledge! I sure fubar’d my garage door when I ran into it lastnight, I’m going out to learn some new things this morning and try to fix it, lol!

[@haroldrogers6083]

If you don't have a name for that tow truck , may i suggest General Omar Bradley . He was a smart General that took over operations from MacArthur !

[@markanderson9857]

Hopefully you show all the details of how the steering assist works. I'm building a M715. And I need to do the steering on it. I was a fabricator for a living and also worked at a hot rod shop. But didn't do heavy trucks. Just light fast stuff and really early stuff. Rebuilding steering boxes is no big deal. But welding on fitting to make power assist! I need to learn more about that! I like what your doing? I've seen your truck a few times. I'm glad that I ran across your channel to know more about it. Keep up the good work! PS I'm a silver solder guy myself been doing all my life. I just like how clean and neat you can make it look.

[@craigluhr3034]

It's always great to see a craftsman at work. I'm an old school carpenter and wish I knew more about automotive work. Thanks for sharing.

[@007twm]

Thank you for another interesting video. 👍👍

[@heinricherb1174]

I like your style old school like myself keep up the good work.

[@flemmingkjellerup9780]

It is always a pleasure to look at your videos, I like your come way of work. You are such a skilled experienced Fabricator 😀👍

[@stewartcrandell3540]

That is such a great looking truck! I wish I had half your knowledge and skills.

[@SONOCOY]

new favorite channel. love the fitting weld. thanks for idea

[@brooksmorrow]

Experience shows in work thank you for the great content.

[@jcnme]

Great Video Brother 👍 Thank you for explaining what you are doing.

[@lestaylor3641]

Merlins old school gettin some shiny bits. 👍👍✌

[@leighvrooman2824]

Always ways to make the wrecker preform better and safer. Nice job on workmanship.

[@gsftom]

Super cool. Love watching someone that can build / make anything.

[@jameslaxton4240]

That's a one of a kind build! Awesome

[@timvanasen6711]

Love you're ole' tow truck Merlin she's a keeper, great video thank's for the tip's 😉👍

[@marvincarter870]

Merlin is doing some upgrades on the old tow truck that definitely will help with the handling and steering. He also fixed the fitting on the tow boom ram. Merlin and Paul were taught welding and fabrication by their Uncle Jesse and he taught them well! Can't wait for Merlin to get the other winches mounted and working!

[@Nic26482648]

It would be interesting to see Merlin join Paul and the others in the old wrecker tow truck olympics?

[@michaelsimmons6138]

I like the old tow truck she is a BEAST. We hope old wes is doing good we miss the kid he's a good lad we where just thinking of him . Keep the video's coming 🙏🙏🙏👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸☠️

[@bobber5534]

I agree Merlin, I too have been brazing fittings and hydraulic hard lines for years. And if done right, will last the life of the equipment. Those left handed drill bits are one of the best inventions. BTW, you're truck looks awesome. It's face expression says 'don't phuck with me'. 💪🏼

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

🤣🤣🤣😊🏁❤️

[@ralphramirez2975]

That’s one cool old truck hope to see it work at the tow truck competition

[@JesusTorres-qr1gz]

What an outstanding and impressive toy do you have there, I used to play with them on daily bases, I am an old man but still remember them by heart 💜 ❤️ including the entire electrical system, please make the best of it, they were design to outlast us, congratulations 👏🎉, thanks you for sharing it with us, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico, Jesus Torres.

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

🏁😊❤️

[@JesusTorres-qr1gz]

@@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage thanks you gentlemen, make the best of it, blessings to you and your love ones.

[@The1996f150]

Aloha from Hawaii. Your videos are the best. Thank you.

[@MerlinsOldSchoolGarage]

Aloha 😊🙌

[@kevinpeters1596]

“It’s just a good ole reliable truck”. And that’s what makes it special. 👍

[@anthonylee2099]

Great job on the steering upgrade Merlin. You have done much knowledge Merlin. In to the next! 🤙😎

[@randytravis3998]

Great looking truck the steering box rebuild would be a nice video , can't wait to see how you turn the power steering pump up ,, keep the wrenches turning ,,,

[@haroldwilkerson2026]

Could you please do a video on your tow boom and how you make it go in-and-out with the chain and handle Hopefully you found a old school winch for the front that will look right at home

[@johnperun232]

That's some great stuff 👏 Like the steering modification Have a Great Day 👍God Bless You and America 🇺🇸

[@desimora8]

Another great video Merlin - All your trucks and boats are cool projects. Thanks for sharing ,

[@billsrq1788]

Hello from Siesta Key Florida

[@scottdyersr2151]

Like your work bench the good stuff.if you can't weld your own stuff then spend some time learning ,find someone to help you.like the close hanger welding.

[@98xj64]

I don't know what it is about but that truck, it's awesome

[@ronbrown3552]

GOOD EPISODE! THANKS!!

[@SuperDrumwolf]

what a gorgeous truck!

[@dougalexander7204]

Thank you Merlin. Videos are interesting and they teach us a few things.